It's been 20 years since Miuccia Prada explained her philosophy on skirts. Fast forward to the present day, and her words are still ringing loudly in our ears: "For me, the skirt is like a T-shirt. So I put all my ideas there". She goes on to explain that an eccentric skirt "doesn't change that much about you" because it's "waist down". To me, it makes perfect sense: the closer to your face an item of clothing or accessory is, the more of a commitment it feels. It’s the same logic behind telling my hairdresser to keep a deep root when I get my hair coloured so I can be "spiritually brunette".

I have a penchant for a low-effort, high-payoff outfit, and this is why I love skirts so much. When in the thick of climate-change-induced heatwaves, the last thing you want is to be uncomfortable, but as fashion folk, if there’s a way to hack the system and stay cool without sacrificing style, then it’s all aboard! A dramatic skirt is the antidote to a potentially boring top. Case in point: Carrie Bradshaw in her tutu, elevating a simple vest to become part of a look that made fashion history. Then there are Salma Hayek’s evening skirts and kitsch little cardigans and bandeaus on red carpets in the '90s, which remain on mood boards to this day.

The word on the street is that it’s a statement-skirt summer, and one of the undisputed It styles of the season is the "party skirt" by Versace, by way of Dario Vitale’s one-and-done collection as creative director. The scandal surrounding the collection lends it some infamy and notoriety, and the skirt is the perfect piece to wear as I lay back on the hill I would die on, which is that multicolour pieces are easier to style than most neutrals. They go with everything, and the party skirt is no different. I have worn this skirt nonstop since it arrived at my door. Throwing on a fabulous, colourful skirt and a top is just as low effort as putting on a T-shirt and jeans. Two items are all it takes; why not choose the more elevated path?

Alana Hadid did for the launch of her trainer collab with ARKK at CPHFW. She paired a bubblegum-pink trainer in a "dad" silhouette with a just-as-pink "princess" skirt and a tied black tee. As if by magic, the huge plumes of her skirt seemed, dare I say, casual—it’s all in the styling! The look reminded me of a Copenhagen version of Claudia Schiffer by Arthur Elgort in 1994 in a knotted Genny cardigan and a billowing taffeta skirt by Atelier Versace. As we veer into autumn, the cardigan will be the fun skirt's Type A bestie: Saffy up top and Eddie below the waist.

My own wardrobe has become incredibly skirt-heavy of late, so I've been tasking myself with making sure they all get a good outing. I accidentally got the girls in a frenzy when I posted a recent instalment of my video series where I show real outfits alongside the real (read: chaotic) background situation in my flat as a mum who works in fashion. In a week of work and school runs, I truly wore a Dries Van Noten skirt covered in tiny loose threads that looks like it could have been made by Cookie Monster if he went to Central Saint Martins, a lime green and white Sunnei skirt with the texture of a cracked meringue, a vintage Escada skirt in bright pink and green houndstooth, a throwback Evisu skirt and the aforementioned Versace number.

The biggest showstopper, however, was a recent addition by BruceGlen that is a sensory utopia, adorned with clear, oversized sequins that reveal rugby stripes underneath. The BruceGlen twins (fashion designers Bruce and Glen Proctor) filled me in on the design story: "We wanted to take the classic stripe and silhouette and infuse them with a little whimsy. We added oversized piettes (what we call bubbles) to create the feeling that you’re surrounded by bubbles as you move. For us, bubbles represent present joy, so the skirt is ultimately a reminder to slow down, embrace the moment and enjoy the now," they told me. Clearly, they exceeded expectations, as this skirt gets the most joyous reactions in public.

The key to a great skirt is to think limitlessly. Nothing is too weird, too textural, too bright, too voluminous. And just because the skirt is a statement, it doesn't mean everything else has to be minimal. You can make it even more interesting by styling it with a top in a contrasting colour, such as red with a lime skirt or baby blue with a deep purple. If you’re more maximalist, experiment with clashing prints or the same print in a different colour. On the flip side, you can join the fun in a more low-key way. One of my favourite skirts is a navy silk asymmetric style with a fully sheer lower panel by Hades. It’s the perfect prelude to an unexpected shoe. To conclude, your outfit is a gallery, and the skirt is the main event. Happy dressing!

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I usually live in dresses in summer, but this year, I wanted to branch out of my usual uniform and dip a toe into other ways of summer dressing. Skirts are one category I hadn't fully explored, so finding a style to rival my go-to dresses wasn't easy, but on super-hot days when I can't figure out what to wear, a good skirt has been a revolutionary change for my wardrobe.

As soon as spring and summer come back around, I'm all about linen, and I rely on it throughout the warmer months, whether in the form of a shirt, trousers or dresses. Lightweight and breathable, linen is an effortlessly elegant option that fashion people return to year after year, so imagine my joy at trying on my first linen skirt!

Linen trousers might be a classic, but sometimes even they’re a bit too much in the high heat of summer. Skirts, on the other hand, offer more ventilation, and linen's naturally relaxed composition gives it an effortless yet considered finish. Not to mention, the styling possibilities of linen skirts are unmatched. Wear them with basic vest tops, broderie anglaise blouses or a matching linen shirt for a polished warm-weather 'fit; it’s such an easy piece that I'm convinced it deserves summer-capsule-wardrobe status.

Have I converted you? Scroll on to discover five ways to wear linen skirts in summer 2026.

1. Embroidered Linen Skirt + Floaty Blouse

Style Notes: A long linen skirt paired with a floaty blouse gives such a romantic finish. It's no surprise that Julie’s heritage shows up in this look; it's so elevated and elegant that it couldn't be anything but French, and paired with a basic ballet flat, it's an easy ensemble that can be worn to several occasions over summer.

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2. White Maxi Linen Skirt + Basic White Vest

Style Notes: There’s nothing quite like an all-white look in summer to feel fresh and considered. I love how Chloe has tied a bright scarf around her waist to add a pop of colour to an otherwise minimalist outfit.

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3. Brown Linen Skirt + Tie-Front Blouse

Style Notes: We’re so used to seeing linen in soft cream tones that a brown option feels like a welcome change. Tie-front blouses are everywhere right now, and pairing one with a linen skirt is another endless styling option. Bravo, Rachael; I'll be re-creating this look over the weekend.

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4. Linen Maxi Skirt + Matching Linen Shirt

Style Notes: There’s nothing I love more than a matching co-ord, and Monikh’s outfit is one to screenshot. It looks so effortless and pared-back that simply adding an easy flip-flop makes it a quick, everyday option.

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5. Printed Linen Skirt + Black Tank Top

Style Notes: I always like an option that’s a bit different from the norm, so a printed linen skirt is right up my alley. Pairing it with a plain tank top and sleek, minimalist accessories keeps the focus on the true hero: the skirt.

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We’re officially in the midst of a heatwave, and all I want to wear is a breezy dress. Now that the sunshine has arrived, I’m returning to one of the most reliable summer blueprints—dress, sandals, basket bag. Having tracked down the best basket bags around and waded through the influx of new sandals to find the sleekest styles, it's not time to turn our attention to sleek dresses. After hours of searching, I’ve found the very best summer dresses at Zara, H&M and COS.

This trifecta of high street brands is known for expensive-looking dresses. Turning their attention to enduring colourways, elegant silhouettes and refined design details, a selection of the summer dresses could easily pass for triple the price. Hunting through the new-in sections to find these standout styles can take hours, but I've taken one for the team, curating an edit of the very best below to give you more time in the sunshine.

Whether you're more of a minimalist or dialling up the drama with boho embellishments, there's something in this edit for you. For summer 2026, COS leans into refined silhouettes with pared-back designs to ensure they hold their contemporary feel year after year. At Zara, playful updates come in the form of polka-dot prints, pointelle knitwork, and intricate embroidery that add a romantic mood to summer dressing. Finally, H&M is bringing refinement to the fore with a focus on silhouette. Look to smocked bodices, draped fabrics, and refined halternecks that make these high-street dresses incredibly sophisticated. Now, I've rounded up the chicest summer dresses at Zara, H&M and COS for summer 2026.

Best Zara, H&M and COS Summer Dresses

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When the warmer days arrive, my wardrobe immediately shifts gears. The denim and tailored trousers that dominate my cool-weather wardrobes are suddenly set aside to make way for airy skirts and dresses. With summer on the horizon, we’ve already hunted down a series of pretty dresses to see us through the warmer months, and now my attention is on easy summer skirts. Over the past few days, I’ve taken on the challenge of hunting down the best skirts on the high street, and after hours in the changing rooms and scrolling through the new-in sections, my final edit is ready to be shared.

Skirts are an undeniable summer staple. Paired with romantic blouses, simple T-shirts or slinky silk tops, the everyday companion truly comes into its own when the warmer days arrive. For summer 2026, the high street stores are ensuring that we’re spoilt for choice, offering up a wide variety of styles from mini to maxi, fitted to flowing, timeless to trending. Personally, I think this might be the best selection of skirts to date.

Of all the new arrivals, my edit of the best high street skirts focuses on elegant designs, timeless appeal, and serious wearability. For those leaning into the boho revival, keep an eye out for intricate lace, pretty Broderie anglaise and delicate embroidery. For the classicists, I've found a selection of minimalist designs that will become treasured staples in your summer capsule wardrobe. With high temperatures set to return any day now, I've turned to breathable fabrics like cotton and linen to add a breezy edge to summer dressing. If you're ready to add a touch of elegance to your summer wardrobe, scroll on to shop the nine high-street skirts that will sell out first, plus more styles on my wish list.

Shop the Best Summer Skirts on the High Street Right Now

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There’s something about plaid that instantly makes an outfit feel expensive—and this winter, fashion insiders are swapping their jeans for long plaid skirts in every variation. Whether it’s a tailored wool maxi with pleats or a softer, brushed-cotton version that hits mid-calf, this classic pattern feels incredibly elevated when styled with seasonal staples like knee-high boots and cozy outerwear. The result is an outfit that manages to look both polished and effortless, no matter the occasion.

The modern way to wear the trend is all about balance. Try pairing a structured plaid maxi skirt with a slim turtleneck and sleek belt for a refined silhouette, or lean into a more relaxed vibe with an oversized knit tucked in just so. Either way, it’s a foolproof formula that instantly gives off “old-money” energy—a blend of heritage prep and modern minimalism that’s defining the winter aesthetic right now.

If you want to take the look a step further, look for longer lengths that skim the ankle. This elongated shape not only adds drama but also gives your outfit that runway-inspired, city-chic finish. Add a pair of tall leather boots (flat or heeled), and you’ll achieve that understated richness that’s everywhere from Paris street style to downtown Manhattan this season.

And while plaid skirts have always been a wardrobe mainstay, this year’s iterations feel particularly sophisticated. Think tonal tartans, subtle checks, and neutrals like camel, charcoal, and chocolate brown—all styled with luxe textures like cashmere and leather. It’s proof that you don’t need denim to look chic and pulled-together this winter—just the perfect plaid maxi.

See the chicest plaid maxi skirt outfits below and shop the non-denim pant trend along the way.

Get the look: Plaid maxi skirt + Plaid button-down shirt + Long coat + Kitten heels

Get the look: Plaid maxi skirt + Suede jacket + Brown sweater + Ballet flats

Get the look: Plaid maxi skirt + Crewneck sweater + Long necklace + Leather belt + Flats

Get the look: Plaid maxi skirt + Leather jacket + Tall leather boots + Suede gloves

Get the look: Plaid maxi skirt + Puffy bomber jacket + Tall socks + Sneakers

Get the look: Plaid maxi skirt + Oversized tan jacket + White t-shirt + Black boots

Get the look: Plaid maxi skirt + Brown jacket + Sweater+ Tall suede boots

Get the look: Plaid maxi skirt + Fancy black top + Black leather boots

Get the look: Plaid midi skirt + Fitted long-sleeve shirt + Headband + Sneakers

Get the look: Plaid maxi skirt + Black sweater + Fitted tall boots

Get the look: Plaid maxi skirt + Matching plaid jacket + Pointed-toe boots

Get the look: Plaid maxi skirt + Leather jacket + Black sweater + Loafers

Get the look: Plaid maxi skirt + Striped sweater + Oversized bag

Get the look: Plaid maxi skirt + Matching plaid top + Tall leather boots

Get the look: Plaid maxi skirt + Oversized wrap coat + Black riding boots

As far as colour trends go, we’ve had our fair share so far this year. From the soft neutrality of butter yellow to the unexpected zing of dill green, there’s been no shortage of hues vying for our attention.

One of my jobs as a fashion editor (beyond shopping for hours on end) is figuring out what trends actually have staying power. So, when it comes to the rainbow of hues 2025 has offered so far, I’ve found myself asking, is this colour a fleeting fling or is it something with real legs that will last for seasons to come?

One colour I’ve been debating all year long is red. Like you, I‘ve noticed it cropping up just about everywhere. From celebrities and editors to fashion people, there’s been a noticeable uptake of the hue, arising in the form of lightweight cosy knits, cherry-bright ballet flats and this summer’s surprise hero: Ancient Greek Sandals' jelly flip-flops. Its metaphorical rise, in my opinion, is a strong indicator that red isn't just having a moment; it’s settling in for the long haul.

But there’s one piece in particular that, no matter how it’s styled, manages to look undeniably chic at every occasion: the red skirt. The first real inkling I got that this bold piece was on the rise in the background was Diesel’s micro-mini from its headline-grabbing autumn/winter 2022 show. With its massive embossed "D" logo and risqué wrap-around silhouette, the skirt took the industry by storm and signalled something bigger was coming.

Fast forward to autumn/winter 2025, and red skirts are set to be everywhere. From Isabel Marant to Chloé and Elie Saab, designers sent a full spectrum of red down their runways. Think sheer maxis, dark tartan minis and fluid midis, all in that same bright and bold red. Whether styled with slouchy knits or sharp tailoring, there’s no denying red skirts are about to become a favourite amongst the masses.

So, we’ve established that red skirts are officially a thing. The next question is how on earth we style them in a way that works with our capsule wardrobes. I won’t lie: I was just as unsure as you. So naturally, I did what I always do whenever I’m posed with a fashion conundrum: I turned to Instagram and scrolled through the most stylish people I know, all of whom, it turns out, are already wearing red skirts with ease.

Below, I’ve rounded up the five red-skirt outfits giving me all the inspiration I need for styling mine this autumn.

5 Red-Skirt Outfits to Re-Create This Autumn

1. Jumper + Red Midi + Loafers + Cap

Style Notes: I find myself coming back to Kendall Jenner’s style time and again when I’m looking to add a laid-back edge to my staples. She plays with colour in a way that always feels cool and crucially, attainable. Case in point: her red-skirt ensemble (pictured above). A simple black jumper, classic loafers and a red mini is hardly a complex outfit to re-create, yet the impact is undeniably chic.

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2. Cardigan + Skirt + Square-Toe Heels + Bag

Style Notes: When it comes to a red skirt, the hue makes all the difference. Whilst vibrant shades like cherry red and poppy are always popular, it’s darker tones that I find myself leaning towards once the weather starts to cool. To me, deeper shades offer far more versatility, working just as well with white and pastel colours as they do with black and brown. When styling mine, I’m taking cues from Emmanuelle Koffi (pictured above).

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3. White Vest Top + Red Skirt + "Dad" Sandals

Style Notes: Few colour combinations work quite as well as red and white. But what Evie Mills has shown us in this look (above) is that this classic pairing also plays surprisingly well with a touch of olive green. It’s a fresh twist that feels both elevated and cool, and whilst this might not be the look you reach for in October, it's perfect for the transitional period, don't you think?

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4. Two-Piece Set + Strappy Sandals

Style Notes: Few styling choices feel as considered as a matching set, and when it comes to wearing a red skirt, a two-piece is arguably the most effortless route in. Sara Ramén proves my point with this outfit (above), pairing hers with strappy sandals and an oversized tote. The result? A holiday look that’s equal parts polished and unfussy, not to mention ideal for any late-summer trips you have planned. The best part is that it can be broken up and worked into your wardrobe with other pieces.

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5. Bomber + T-Shirt + Red Skirt + Thong Sandals

Style Notes: When making a miniskirt choice, take a cue from Marina Torres (pictured above) and opt for red. By swapping your black, beige or white for a bolder take, the entire look is instantly lifted, giving the impression of maximum effort even when the styling is simple. Her outfit proves just how versatile a red mini can be. In my opinion, it would pair just as effortlessly with a sleek black boot as it does with her minimalist thong heels.

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When you're used to seeing the city dominated by jeans, it's hard not to notice when looks start to shift in London and over the last week, I've noticed the capital's most stylish people have been embracing summer's top skirt trends in a big way. However, there's one particular style that's increasingly popular right now—the white tiered maxi skirt.

A bonafide boho staple that apparently every Gen Z fashion person owns (including every one of my friends, so I know it's a genuine thing), it’s a piece that has cut through the noise to claim top spot on my wish list. As someone who usually lives in baggy jeans and oversized tees, I find myself drawn to it thanks to its throw-on yet chic-looking silhouette.

Usually found in an A-line cut, which works best alongside the tiered composition, it's proven ideal for the balmy summer days we've been experiencing in London lately. And although you'll find this skirt trend in various lengths, it's maxis that feel especially current, as they further tap into the boho mood that's very summer 2025. And why white? Well, it's the colour that tends to keep you the coolest on said hot days, too—plus, it goes with just about anything you can think to wear it with.

While it may feel like a fresh trend for summer 2025, tiered maxi skirts have been quietly building momentum for some time. Chloé pioneered the bohemian renaissance in its autumn/winter show last year, making it clear that the tiered maxi was back. By the time the spring/summer 2025 collections came around, these skirts were everywhere—at Alaïa, the long skirt was showcased in airy materials, while at Jacquemus the tiered garment was featured with a low-cut jacket.

Versatile and effortlessly stylish, this skirt trend works just as well paired with a matching white lace broderie top and strappy sandals as it does with a graphic tee and trainers, both of which feel right at home in London.

Ready to join the style set? Scroll on to shop my edit of the best the white tiered maxi skirts on the market right now, including the one that I’ll be buying myself.

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I don’t think I need to tell you that polka dots are in this year—everyone from Kate Middleton to Bella Hadid has been wearing them in the past few weeks—but alongside them I’m seeing another classic print make itself known for summer 2025, that being gingham. I’ve always had a soft spot for gingham. There’s something unmistakably nostalgic about it that transports me to a simpler time, one filled with memories of Princess Diana in her red gingham capris and getting myself ready for primary school in my very own gingham pinafore. And while the print has endured in many wardrobes since, right now I’m most interested in finding the best gingham skirt out there.

From sweeping maxis to airy minis, some of the season’s best skirts are covered in gingham. Previously, I opted for a more pared-back approach when wearing the print—often in dress form, I’d add simple sandals and perhaps a basket bag to style it. This approach enabled me to participate in this timeless pattern without stepping outside of my comfort zone and is something I’ll be emulating when it comes to wearing a gingham skirt in 2025.

The trend itself has been around for decades, enjoying popularity since the 1950s when French actress Brigitte Bardot famously wore a pink gingham dress for her 1959 wedding. Ever since, gingham has been synonymous with elevated French fashion, which has helped make it feel so timeless across the decades, during which gingham has ebbed and flowed in popularity but has never really gone out of style. The ‘90s saw the print receive a grunge-like reboot, gracing runways of designers such as Anna Sui, Vivianne Westwood and Marc Jacobs where it was paired everything from ripped tights, oversized flannels and dishevelled layers, chunky boots and smudged eyeliner. Fast forward to the 2010s and beyond and gingham skirts have made a triumphant return, embraced by cottagecore enthusiasts and classic dressers alike.

I first started coming round to gingham’s outfit-enhancing effects when I spotted fashion person Javiera in a full black and white skirt. Keeping the rest of her outfit fairly minimal—a black top and red kitten heels—she proved (if ever it was needed) that with minimal effort, a gingham skirt can look very sophisticated.

But it’s not just influencers who have fallen for the gingham skirt. From Kaia Gerber to Scarlett Johansson, celebrities of all ages have been wearing the print for some time now, and then there’s the data, which shows that searches for “gingham skirts” are up 350% on Google Trends, so it seems we’re all craving a slice of this pretty pattern.

I know I found styling this print tricky, but a few small simple steps made it much easier. An easy starting point is a plain top, especially if you pick out one of the two colours within the gingham skirt and match it to. Then, when you get more confident, you can try clashing it with other hues and perhaps prints too—those polka dots might come in handy after all.

Read on to shop my edit of the best gingham skirts of 2025, by length.

The 15 Best Gingham Skirts of 2025

Gingham Maxi Skirts

Gingham Midi Skirts

Gingham Mini Skirts

When it comes to summer dressing, finding that balance between comfort and elegance is my main priority. From simple tank tops to lightweight linen trousers, several sleek basics make their way into my summer capsule wardrobe every year. However, if there's one item that exudes easy sophistication more than anything else, it's a skirt.

Easy to dress up or down, skirts are a certified summer staple. Whether worn with suede sandals or leather flip-flops in the day, or with slingback heels for evenings out, you can get so much wear out of the right skirt.

Now, I'll be honest: I wear skirts no matter the weather or season. But I think we can all agree that they really come into their own throughout the warmer months. They're breezy enough to keep you cool in the hot weather and ensure you look put-together no matter the occasion. Not to mention, the beautiful silhouettes don't get hidden under thicker outerwear when summer comes around.

So, with sunny days finally here, I've started to think about which skirt styles I'll be buying to wear now and well into autumn. Whether you're after a slightly more trend-led silhouette for 2025 or prefer to opt for timeless classics that will stand the test of time in your wardrobe, below, I've rounded up the nine skirt styles worth investing in this season.

The Best Summer Skirts, According to a Fashion Editor

1. Classic White Poplin

Style Notes: I simply had to start with the most classic skirt style of them all: a white poplin skirt. This flowy, breezy silhouette can be worn with almost any top or blouse for an easy but polished summer look.

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2. Polka Dot

Style Notes: I'm been spotting polka-dot skirts everywhere at the moment. From pretty blouses and dresses to slinky polka-dot skirts, elegant dressers are very into this vintage-inspired print. You can't go wrong with a classic black-and-white polka dot, but there are also plenty of navy-and-cream iterations that look just as chic.

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3. Long Linen

Style Notes: Linen season is finally upon us. Lightweight, breathable and effortlessly classy, a linen skirt will serve your summer wardrobe for many years to come. Not to mention, the 100% natural fabric ensures it'll only get softer with each wear.

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4. Lace-Trim Slip

Style Notes: Lace has long been an established part of the summer uniform, but that doesn't mean it has to feel outdated for 2025. Simply opt for a lace-trim skirt as opposed to a full lace iteration, as these feel fresh for now yet will remain versatile enough to wear in the upcoming years.

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5. Tailored Mini

Style Notes: Ideal for the warmer weather, miniskirts offer breeziness and comfort without compromising style. Opt for a tailored version that you can wear with a dressy top or blazer for more formal occasions, or pair it with a simple tank or tee when you want to dress it down.

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6. Gingham

Style Notes: Gingham skirts are nothing new, making their way back into our wardrobes each summer, but their ability to make an outfit look more interesting is undeniable. And the best part? There's something for everyone, from simple black-and-white iterations to bold red prints.

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7. Sheer Lace

Style Notes: Don't be intimidated by the idea of a sheer skirt. This daring style allows you to add some character to your outfits without bearing the weight of a heavier fabric. They can also be super wearable, so long as you opt for longer silhouettes on your top half or layer them over skin-tight shorts or another skirt.

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8. Denim

Style Notes: A lot less heavy than your jeans, but with the same ability to be dressed up or down with ease, a denim skirt is the perfect balance between timeless and cool. Although this is technically a year-round staple, summer offers the perfect opportunity to wear mini and midi styles.

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9. Black Cotton

Style Notes: Black skirts bring an instant sense of elegance to any look. You might initially associate this colour with autumn or winter, but paired with classic summery items like a white blouse, this timeless style will look just as chic in the warmer months as well.

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Now that it's starting to feel, dare I say it, like summer, I’ve found myself considering the key pieces that will define my warm-weather wardrobe this year. Last summer, I landed on the perfect pair of shorts, and at this point, I’ve stockpiled enough cotton dresses to carry me through countless heat waves. Now, it’s my skirt collection that’s calling out for attention. The solution? A white cotton skirt.

Happily, I’ve already fallen this trend as it promises to do all the heavy lifting for me. Chic, versatile and surprisingly affordable, the white cotton skirt is exactly what I’ve been searching for.

The ease! The elegance! This breezy skirt encapsulates the relaxed yet refined energy I want to weave into all of my outfits this season.

With its crisp white hue and floaty silhouette, it’s the perfect outfit base, fresh yet soft, and it styles seamlessly into a variety of summer shades. Think sky blues and gentle pinks for a delicate daytime look, or try pairing it with richer, moodier tones to bring some of your favourite richer hues further into the warmer months.

The cotton fabrication is another huge plus. Naturally breathable and wonderfully lightweight, it’s ideal for high-summer dressing. But don’t wait for a heatwave—this trend is ready to wear now. Simply style with closed-toe shoes and a textured knit for a transitional outfit that works on even chilly spring days.

Whether you're after a maxi, midi or mini, the good news is there’s no shortage of white cotton skirts on the market right now—and plenty of them come at a budget-friendly price. Zara's poplin midi has already caught my eye, and Mango's pleated style is tempting me this season.

Ready to refresh your wardrobe? Scroll on to shop our edit of the best white cotton skirts.

SHOP WHITE COTTON SKIRTS:

After months of bundling up in layers and heavy coats, it feels like the warmer weather is finally here in the UK. This means it's finally time to pack away our heavy wool trousers and replace them with some lighter alternatives, and there's nothing that says "warm weather" more than a versatile skirt.

I have to admit, I never actually stopped wearing skirts, even throughout the winter season, but the idea of being able to wear my favourite styles without thicker tights underneath or having to hide them under my outerwear has made me even more excited for the current spring season.

Easy to dress up or down, skirts are the ultimate spring-through-to-autumn staple. Whether worn with a tank or tee in high summer or a chunky knit once the temperature drops, a skirt you invest in now can be worn for many seasons to follow. And with the spring season finally here, and summer just around the corner, I've started to think about the skirt styles that I'll be buying now and wearing all the way through to late autumn.

Whether you're craving a fresh and slightly more trend-led silhouette, or prefer to opt for timeless classics that make for easy styling, I've rounded up the eight best skirt styles to invest in this spring.

The Best Spring Skirts, According to a Fashion Editor

1. Linen

Style Notes: The slow but sure rise in temperature means that linen season is finally upon us. Lightweight, breathable and effortlessly elegant, a linen skirt will serve your spring/wardrobe well. Not to mention, that its all-natural fabrication ensures that this style will only get softer with each wear.

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2. Bubble-Hem

Style Notes: Don't be intimidated by the idea of a bubble hem skirt. In actual fact, they can be super wearable so long as you opt for less dramatic silhouettes like Nnenna has. The slightly more voluminous structure allows you to add some character to your outfits without bearing the weight of a heavier fabric.

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3. Pleated

Style Notes: Pleats bring an instant sense of elegance to any look. You might initially associate this skirt style with autumn or winter, but paired with simple spring basics like a tank top or lightweight cardigan, this classic design will look just as chic in the warmer months as well.

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4. Denim

Style Notes: Less heavy than jeans, but with the same ability to be dressed up and down, a denim skirt is the perfect balance between causal and cool. Although it's technically a year-round staple, spring offers the perfect opportunity to let your denim skirts act as the focal points of your outfits.

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5. White Poplin

Style Notes: We couldn't talk about spring skirts without mentioning the timeless white poplin skirt. This flowy, lightweight silhouette can be worn with almost any top or knitwear style for an easy but elegant warm-weather outfit.

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6. Broderie Anglaise

Style Notes: Broderie Anglaise has long been the established spring/summer uniform here in the UK, but that doesn't mean it has to feel drab or outdated in 2025. Simply pair this romantic skirt style with a boxier t-shirt or add a more sturdy jacket like Venetia has to contrast the feminine feel.

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7. Satin

Style Notes: Smooth, slinky satin numbers always bring a luxurious feel to an outfit. Ideal for the warmer weather, these skirts offer movement and comfort without compromising on style. Try wearing it with a matching silky top to dress the look up, or add a graphic t-shirt into the mix when you want to make the outfit more casual.

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8. Suede

Style Notes: Though often associated with the later part of the year, suede makes a strong (and very stylish) case for spring as well. Not only will it contrast beautifully against lighter linens and cotton, but knowing how unpredictable the weather in the UK can be, it's never a bad idea to invest in a chic suede skirt that you can pull out on chillier days.

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In 2025, the term “skirts” has been thrown around quite a lot. “They’re a recession indicator”, posits many trend forecasters on social media, equating the reprisal of more conservative lengths to the hemline index—an economic theory suggesting skirt sizes reflect the current state of the market. Still, you need only look to the recent runways and street style set to know that most major skirt trends for 2025 are anything except modest.

London Fashion Week’s autumn/winter 2025 season in February was a display of numerous emerging and established styles, yet none more popular than the wispy pleated skirts layered fur bandeaus and leather jackets seen at Simone Rocha. (Or the styles paired with shirts painted in the style of Scottish Colourist painter Francis Cadell as modelled by Who What Wear UK cover star, Mia Regan,)

Later in the month, Chloé brought a sleazy sensuality to bottoms with diaphanous and sheer floor-grazing skirts in midnight black and slate grey styled next to silk and lace camisoles and fur coats or more structured taffeta-like pieces with built-in peplum layers. Miu Miu embraced the customs of the 1920s by dressing demure skirt shapes in monochromatic colours with woollen jackets or bold shirts accented with gilded brooches.

Holistically across the industry, there was no shortage of patterns from glistening argyle knee-length styles to the ballgown-inspired volumes seen at Saint Laurent. Off the runway, polka dot skirts have continued to prove a dominant trend, as have sequin iterations, drop-waist finishes and bubble hemlines.

I, for one, have long revered skirts as the more sophisticated and playful alternative to jeans. So, seeing the wider mainstream follow suit has indicated that not only is my instinct that skirts offer far more styling options than trousers correct, but that they’re also a gauge for who is ‘in the know’. This year, I’m levelling up my skirt game and steering away from timeless styles to shake me out of my comfort zone.

Currently on my wishlist I have a transparent bias-cut midi skirt in a delicate zebra print from cult-favourite New Zealand label Paris Georgia, a sheer organza number from Rise & Fall and a cream pleated style to pair with burgundy camisoles now we’re in the throes of spring.

But you needn’t worry about feeling all the trending skirts are more “out there”. It’s true, the most popular skirt styles of 2025 are incredibly versatile and easy to style, like the simple cuts at Dôen to the timeless fabrics at Reformation.

Most skirts on the market are classic, meaning you can confidently invest now and know you'll be on trend this season, but have a piece you'll love forever. Whether you like a high hemline or an ankle-skimming style, a super minimalist aesthetic or something a little vibrant, you'll find a skirt to suit in 2025. Scroll on to discover my predictions for the top skirt trends for the year ahead, and my pick of the best styles to tap into them. Just maybe they'll make you forget all about your jeans, too...

The 8 Top Skirt Trends for 2025

1. Minis

Style Notes: If ever there's a time to embrace the high hemline, it's in 2025. Whatever texture, pattern or colour draws your attention, you'll find there's a skirt to match. The best thing about this style is how easy it is to transition the piece depending on the season. In cool weather climates, pair with tights and knee-high boots, before swapping the shoes for ballet flats once the sun returns.

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2. Pleated

Style Notes: Yes, pleats are back. Whatever length you go for, making sure you have a pleated detail will make your skirt that bit more on trend. The aesthetics are surprisingly varied, going from Charli XCX-inspired grungy minis to the East London-approved Chopova Loewena iterations and elegant, preppy styles.

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3. Denim

Style Notes: Denim skirts continue to grow in popularity after making a comeback a few years ago. Mini or mid-length, a denim skirt is the perfect match for the very on-trend knee-high boots or can be dressed down with trainers.

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4. Brown Leather

Style Notes: Leather skirts are a classic wardrobe piece, and in 2025, I predict fashion insiders will be backing brown leather in place of the traditional black. There's something softer and altogether more luxe about chocolate or deep brown leather, and it looks especially luxurious when styled with cream pieces.

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5. Bubble Hems

Style Notes: In 2025, a good rule to follow is: the bigger, the better. Bubble skirts are going to be a big trend this year, whether in ballgown-worthy maxi form or '80s-inspired puffball minis. Pair yours with sleek heels and balance the volume with a structured top for a very cool evening look.

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6. Pencil

Style Notes: On the opposite end of the skirt spectrum is the sleek, straight silhouette of the pencil skirt. This is a minimalist's dream, and can be styled in so many ways. Lean into the elegance by styling it with ballet flats or kitten heels and a blazer, or go more casual with a slouchy knit and trainers.

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